Cam needs to go

It's time to disabuse ourselves of the notion that Cam Ward is anything better than an average to below average NHL goalie. He is a Conn Smythe winner due to fortunate timing, coming on in relief against Montreal during the team's run to the Cup in 2006 when the &quot;book&quot; on him had not yet been written. Since then his best has been merely okay. Cam's apologist, Mike Maniscalco's favorite phrase &quot;well that's one he wishes he had back&quot; or like tonight &quot;that's two he wishes he had back.&quot; Are you ready for a sub-25 win season and another year finishing out of the playoffs? Get ready because hear it comes.

I don't think he needs to go but he certainly should be benched in favor of Khudobin for the time being...notice how K. was able to finish? Ward has just not been a good 60-minute goalie, at least since 2009. You're so right about Maniscalco being an apologist...I got on their show this morning and laid it right out. Being great or even spectacular for two periods is just not enough...I know part of it's the defense in front of him but the pattern of mediocrity has been established for a long time. You are absolutely right in that this team is going to go right back behind the 8-ball for the season if we don't get a different standard of play in net, not soon but NOW.

Agreed. Cam at times is outstanding (&quot;okay&quot; was probably unfair), but the inconsistency you pointed out is a killer. When his head is not in the game he is NOT an NHL calibre goalie IMHO. Which is too bad. I like Cam, a lot. It's not my habit to come on a BBS and torch a guy, primarily because my lack of hockey knowledge will get me in trouble in a hurry.

Canes fans as a rule have been very supportive of this franchise, grateful for its presence in the Triangle. I think we have excellent ownership. Rarely have a I heard fans gripe about the team's record over the last few years; the conduct of Canes fans has been exemplary. Maybe it's because many of us remember a time when NC had no professional sports franchise. But I think we're quickly reaching the point at which we're justified in standing up and saying, &quot;You know, we deserve a better standard of play then what we're getting.&quot; It's not us against them, it's just us guys, and one half of the team isn't living up to their end of the bargain.

Cam is certainly part of the problem, but did you see anybody win a battle anywhere on the ice in the first period? Chicago is very good, but the compete level just wasn't there to start the game. I can live with Cam giving up two goals to a talented team, but the rest of the boys have to play better in front of him.

Can reminds me of Arturs Irbe. You never know when he is going to be on his game. Not consistant. Now he's really getting very injury prone. He can't to the splits anymore without pulling his groin all out of whack. I don't think the future of Cam Ward is going to get any better.

I guess I will apologize for Cam as well. Hurricanes record with Cam: 216-157-56. Hurricanes record without Cam: 96-95-30. Take away the 05-06 season without him and they're 58-81-24. Is Cam an elite goalie? Not since the All-Star game was in Raleigh, but the Canes are obviously a much better team, in more ways than one, with him. Considering the lack of a decent blue line over the years, I'll take Cam as my goalie. He certainly has had bad games and awful moments of a period, but stats don't lie.

Being paid like an elite goalie but certainly not playing like one over the past couple of years, plus injury prone. Not sure Canes can get rid of him without taking a huge $ hit. Also, not sure Cam (still fairly younf) would be content as in a back-up role. Coaches/management in a tough spot, but kato would have no issues if Cam were to be moved.